Vertebral Subluxation Complex - Details

Connective Tissue Component

There is an old saying: "If you don't use it, You Lose It!". As research continues to find more and more answers, this saying may be directly referring to the spine. The soft tissues surrounding the Spine, i.e., ligaments, cartilage, fluids, tendons, etc., are also prone to changes apparently caused by the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Joint Immobilization (reduced motion) appears play a major role in these Connective Tissues (C.T.) changes.

From studies performed, the following have been discovered:

• Articular (joint) cartilage shrinks;
  
• Synovial fluid (the fluid which bathes and surrounds the Vertebral Joints) undergoes consolidation, allowing for future boney growth (degeneration);
  
• Weight-bearing and motion appear to exert separate influences on the maintenance of connective tissue.

When testing for Connective Tissue disorders, the clinician will put the patient through various tests, ranging from passive, whereby the clinician does all the work, to active, whereby the patient is providing the effort for movement. Another important procedure utilized by Chiropractors is that of Palpation, whereby the doctor is either touching various tissues to determine their pliancy, or is putting joints through various motions to determine any restrictions of movement (referred to as Joint Play). In addition, the previously mention Range of Motion (ROM) and visual analysis, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can provide further assistance in determining any Connective Tissue abnormalities.

What is important to understand is that restriction of motion of a joint can lead to degenerative changes in connective tissue. The role this degeneration plays in the development of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex and vice-versa, is under further investigation.

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Referring back to the Conceptual Model of The Vertebral Subluxation Complex described earlier , other factors, such as Muscular (Myologic), Blood (Vascular) and Inflammatory (Histopathology), are also important considerations. Students are urged to seek out further References for discussions of contributions made by these factors.

The Vertebral Subluxation Complex represents the current state of the evolution of the concept of the term Subluxation. It does not identify any single event or process as the sole causative element in the complex process of subluxation degeneration, but rather places into context the various tissues and processes that play a role in this complex phenomenon. "The Vertebral Subluxation Complex was designed to bring understanding to an area that was fraught with confusion; it was crafted to be consistent with known rational thought and valid information; it was designed to adapt to a growing body of information and understanding of the function of the human body and how the physical machinations interrelate with what we call human health". (#1 p. 168)